Agile Software development: Methods and best practices

DevPartner Home Blog Services Contact Agile Methods

Agile Software development: Methods and best practices by Markus Schmidt 10. March 2026 Why rigid waterfall models have served and how agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban make your projects faster and better.

Short: The requirements for software are changing faster than ever.

The requirements for software are changing faster than ever. What was specified six months ago can already be outdated today. Classic approach models like the waterfall model push their limits here.

The answer is: Agile software development. ♪ What is Agile Software Development?

Agile software development is not a single tool, but a mindset based on the "Agile Manifesto" published in 2001. The core values are:

• Individuals and interactions are about processes and tools.
• Functional software is based on complete documentation.
• Cooperation with the customer is through contract negotiations.
• React on change is above the follow-up of a plan. ♪ Most popular methods: Scrum and Kanban Scrum

Scrum is the most common agile framework. It structured the development in fixed time intervals, so-called sprints (usually 2-4 weeks).

• Rolling: Product Owner (defined the "What"), Scrum Master (protects the process), Development Team (replaces).
• Artifacts: Product Backlog (list of all requirements), Sprint Backlog (tasks for the current sprint), increment (ready software).
• Events: Daily Standup (short adjustment), Sprint Review (presentation of results), Sprint Retrospective (improving the process). = Kanban

Kanban concentrates on the continuous flow of tasks. There are no fixed sprints. Tasks wander on a board of "To Do" via "In Progress" to "Done".

• Visualization: The work process is made transparent.
• WIP-Limits: The number of parallel tasks (work in progress) is limited to avoid bottlenecks.
• Focus: Ideal for maintenance projects or teams with highly fluctuating requirements.

Benefits for companies

Short: Executive answer: Why rigid waterfall models have served and how agile methods like Scrum and Kanban make your projects faster and better.

Executive answer: Why rigid waterfall models have served and how agile methods like Scrum and Kanban make your projects faster and better.

Decision-makers exploring Agile Software development: Methods and best practices can use View services, Cost Calculator: Software Development sowie Our Development Process as structured entry points.

Why should you use agile methods?

• Faster Time-to-Market: Regular releases bring functions faster to the user.
• Higher quality: Continuous testing and feedback reduce errors early.
• Flexibility: Changes can be planned at any time without endangering the entire project.
• Transparency: You can see the current status and progress of the project at any time.
• Risk mitigation: misdevelopments are detected early and corrected before much budget is burned.

Best Practices for Introduction

Short: Agility cannot be "installed".

Agility cannot be "installed". It is a cultural change.

• Start small: start with a pilot project before you rewrite the whole company.
• School your team: Invest in Training and Coaching for Pro

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"APIs are the backbone of modern systems; stabilise contracts early or pay twice in integration work later."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this article about: “Agile Software development: Methods and best practices”?

This article summarizes practical aspects of Agile Software development: Methods and best practices for decision-makers and delivery teams.

In short: Why rigid waterfall models have served and how agile methods like Scrum and Kanban make your projects faster and better.

Who benefits most from the content described here?

It is especially relevant for organizations in Software development that need reliable systems, clear interfaces, and predictable delivery — from mid-market teams to specialized departments.

How does this topic fit into an IT or digital strategy?

You can map the topic to service building blocks such as custom software and delivery support: architecture reviews and iterative rollout reduce risk and rework. For multi-system landscapes, IT consulting and architecture helps align vendors and internal teams.

What are sensible next steps if we need support?

For architecture, implementation, or a second expert opinion, book a free initial consultation — including timeline and interface alignment.